8 Easy Nail Art Designs for Beginners at Home
Written by  Daisie Team
Published on 8 min read

Contents

  1. Polka dot design
  2. Striped nail art
  3. Color block design
  4. Marble nail art
  5. Glitter gradient design
  6. Negative space nail art
  7. Floral nail art
  8. French manicure with a twist

If you've ever scrolled through nail art designs and thought, "I could never do that!", this blog is about to change your mind. Nail art doesn't have to be complex or intimidating. In fact, there are many easy to do nail art designs that can help you achieve a stylish look right from the comfort of your own home. Today, we're going to explore eight of these beginner-friendly designs: from playful polka dots to sophisticated French manicures with a twist. So, grab your nail polish, and let's get started!

Polka dot design

First on our list is the timeless and fun polka dot design. This easy to do nail art design adds a pop of color and playfulness to your look. Here's a quick step-by-step guide for you:

  1. Prep your nails: Start with clean, dry nails. Apply a base coat to protect your nails from staining and to increase the longevity of your nail art.
  2. Apply your base color: Choose a color that will be the background of your polka dots. This could be any color you like. Apply two coats and let it dry fully.
  3. Create the polka dots: Now comes the fun part! You can use a dotting tool, but if you don't have one, the end of a bobby pin or a toothpick will work just as well. Dip your tool in a contrasting color and gently dot it onto your nails. Try to space your dots evenly, but don't worry too much — the charm of this design is in its imperfections!
  4. Seal your design: Once your polka dots are dry, seal your design with a clear top coat. This will give your nails a glossy finish and prevent your design from chipping.

And there you have it: a simple yet stylish polka dot design. Remember, practice makes perfect. So, don't be discouraged if your first attempt doesn't turn out as you expected. With a bit of patience and creativity, you'll soon master this easy to do nail art design.

Striped Nail Art

Next up, we have the striped nail art design. Stripes are a classic pattern that can be both elegant and fun, depending on the colors you use. They're also one of the easiest patterns to create. Here's how:

  1. Prep your nails: Just like with the polka dot design, start with clean, dry nails and apply a base coat.
  2. Choose your colors: For a striped design, you'll need at least two contrasting colors. Apply the lighter color first, as this will be the color of your stripes. Let it dry completely.
  3. Create the stripes: The trick to creating straight, even stripes is to use tape. Once your base color is completely dry, place thin strips of tape over your nails where you want your stripes to be. Then, paint over the tape with your second color.
  4. Remove the tape: Before the second color dries, carefully peel off the tape. You'll be left with perfect stripes in your base color. Let your nails dry completely.
  5. Seal your design: Apply a top coat to protect your design and add shine.

And voila! You now have a chic striped nail art design. This technique is straightforward and versatile. By changing the colors and the thickness of the stripes, you can create an endless variety of easy to do nail art designs. So, why not give it a try?

Color Block Design

Now, let's dive into something a bit more vibrant — color block nail art. With this, you get to play with a combination of bold colors for a truly eye-catching design. Here's an easy to follow plan to create this nail art:

  1. Select your colors: You can go for as many colors as you like, but three is a good starting point. Choose colors that complement each other for a harmonious look.
  2. Apply the first color: Start by painting each nail with your first color. This will be the base of your design. Let it dry completely.
  3. Create the blocks: Use tape to section off portions of your nails. Paint each section with a different color. Make sure to wait for the polish to dry before removing the tape.
  4. Finish off: Once all your blocks of color are dry, apply a clear top coat. This not only protects your design but also gives it a nice shine.

There you have it — a color block design that's as unique as you are! Remember, the beauty of nail art is that there's no right or wrong way to do it. As long as you're having fun and expressing yourself, you're doing it right. Have fun experimenting with these easy to do nail art designs!

Marble Nail Art

Next up on our list of easy to do nail art designs is marble nail art. This design mimics the smooth, swirling patterns of marble and can give your nails a sophisticated and stylish look. Here's how to create this design at home:

  1. Prepare your nails: Start with a base coat to protect your nails. Once it's dry, apply a white or light-colored polish. This will be the background for your marble design.
  2. Create the marble effect: Drip a few drops of two or three different colored nail polishes into a cup of water. Use a toothpick to swirl the colors together, creating a marbled pattern.
  3. Transfer the design: Dip your nail into the water, so the polish adheres to your nail. Once you pull it out, you should have a beautiful marble design. Repeat for each nail.
  4. Finish the look: Once your nails are dry, apply a clear topcoat to seal in the design and add a glossy finish.

And voila - you've created your very own marble nail art! Remember, the beauty of this technique is that no two nails will ever look the same. Each one will have its unique swirls and waves, just like a real piece of marble. Enjoy creating these easy to do nail art designs!

Glitter Gradient Design

Now let's move on to a design that's sure to add some sparkle to your day: the glitter gradient design. This is one of the simplest, yet most glamorous easy to do nail art designs you can try at home. So, let's get started!

  1. Start with a base: Paint your nails with a base color of your choice. This could be any color that complements the glitter polish you plan to use. Allow the base color to dry completely before moving on to the next step.
  2. Add some sparkle: Take your glitter polish and start applying it at the tip of your nail. Gradually bring the brush down towards the base of your nail, allowing the glitter to thin out and create a gradient effect.
  3. Seal the deal: Once the glitter polish is dry, add a clear topcoat to protect your design and give it a glossy finish. This will also help to smooth out the texture of the glitter, making your nails feel as good as they look.

And there you have it, a glitter gradient nail art that's both elegant and easy to do. So, why not give it a try? Remember, the key to a successful gradient is to gradually reduce the amount of glitter as you move down the nail. This will create a seamless transition from heavy glitter at the tip to almost none at the base. Enjoy experimenting with different base and glitter colors for a variety of stunning looks!

Negative Space Nail Art

Let's switch gears and explore a modern, chic style that's been making waves in the nail art world: negative space nail art. This design leaves part of your nail unpainted, creating a unique contrast that's sure to turn heads. It's one of the trendiest easy to do nail art designs that you can experiment with at home. Ready to give it a go? Here's how:

  1. Set the stage: Start by applying a clear base coat to your nails. This step is essential—it protects your nails from staining and ensures a smooth canvas for your design.
  2. Create your design: Using a thin brush or a nail art pen, start drawing your design. This could be anything from simple stripes to more intricate shapes. The key here is to leave some areas of your nail unpainted—that's your "negative space".
  3. Finish with a flourish: Once your design is dry, seal it with a clear topcoat. This will add a glossy finish and protect your design from chipping.

And voila, you've mastered the art of negative space nail design! Remember, the beauty of this design lies in its simplicity. You don't need to fill every inch of your nail with color. By leaving some areas bare, you create a striking contrast that's both modern and chic. So, why not shake things up and try this stylish nail art design?

Floral Nail Art

Next on our list of easy to do nail art designs is the ever-popular floral nail art. With the versatility to vary designs from simple daisies to intricate roses, this style has a charm that never fades. Ready to bring a touch of spring to your fingertips? Here's a simple way to achieve this look:

  1. Prep your nails: Just as you would tend a garden, start by preparing your nails. Apply a clear base coat to protect your nails and provide a smooth surface for your design.
  2. Paint your base: Choose a color that complements the flowers you plan to paint. Pastel shades often work well. Apply the polish and let it dry completely.
  3. Add your flowers: Now, it's time to get creative! Using a dotting tool or a toothpick, create dots on your nails for the flowers. You can choose one color or mix and match—just like a real flower garden.
  4. Final touches: Once the flowers have dried, add small dots in a different color in the center of each flower. And don't forget to seal your design with a clear top coat for a long-lasting finish.

There you have it—your own floral nail art masterpiece! This design is all about embracing your creative side and adding a personal touch to your nails. So, the next time you're in the mood for some nail art, why not try creating your own mini flower garden?

French Manicure with a Twist

Let's finish our list of easy to do nail art designs with a classic that never goes out of style - the French manicure. But this time, we're adding a fun twist to take it up a notch. Ready? Let's get started:

  1. Prepare your nails: As always, start with clean, shaped nails and a base coat to protect them.
  2. Apply the nude base: A French manicure traditionally starts with a nude or pale pink base. Apply this and allow it to dry.
  3. Add the white tip: This is the signature of a French manicure. Carefully paint a white strip across the top of each nail. If you're worried about getting a straight line, you can use nail tape as a guide.
  4. The twist: Here's where we mix things up. Instead of leaving the white tip plain, add a design like a small heart or star, or even a tiny dot of a bright color. This small detail can have a big impact, making your manicure unique to you.
  5. Seal it up: Finish with a clear top coat to seal in your design and give your nails a glossy finish.

So, there's your French manicure with a twist. It's a subtle yet effective way to add a little personality to a traditional design. Perfect for when you want something a bit special, but still understated. Who said easy to do nail art designs couldn't be chic and fun at the same time?

If you enjoyed our blog post on easy nail art designs for beginners and want to learn more, we highly recommend checking out the 'Affordable DIY Abstract Nail Art Tutorial' by Rachael Mangal. This workshop will teach you how to create stunning abstract nail art designs at home without breaking the bank. Give it a try and elevate your nail art game!